Discussion Essays

A Discussion essay requires you to analyze an issue from two different points of view. In
this type of essay, you should discuss both sides of an issue, and give your opinion in the
conclusion stating which side you support.

The following are examples of discussion essays:

Example 1:

In many western countries, there is an increasing number of couples choosing

to have no children.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of couples having no children​.

Example 2:

Some people think that space exploration is a waste of resources while others think that it
is essential for mankind to continue to explore the universe in which we live.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

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 Advantages vs Disadvantages

Writing introductions

Writing a clear introduction is quite essential to give a good impression on the examiner.
Many IELTS candidates, however, panic because they do not know how to begin their
essay. We advise you to follow the following structure.

1. Background sentence​(Write a general sentence about the topic).

2. Detailed background sentence​.(Add an extra sentence to support the first)

3. Thesis​(Focus on the question in your own words)

4. Your purpose of the essay​.(Tell the reader your plan).

Write the correct formula in the introduction given below.

The formula for introduction (advantages and

Sentences
disadvantages essay)

1​​Nowadays, taking a year out to live or study

abroad is becoming increasingly popular.

2 For many people, especially young adults,

the chance to spend an extended period of
time overseas is an attractive one.
3 However, there are both pros and cons to
deciding to do this.

4 In this essay, I will discuss some of the

reasons why moving abroad is so popular
and some of the challenges to be overcome.

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Task 1
Now read the question and a model introduction to it. The four steps in the
introduction are in the wrong order. Number them in the correct order.

These days, people work in more than one job and often change careers several
times during their life. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

A. In this essay, both sides will be analysed and a conclusion will be drawn.
B. Many have at least one change of career at some point in their lives.
C. Nowadays, it is becoming more and more common for people to take two jobs.
D. Clearly, this trend has both benefits and drawbacks.

Write four sentence introductions for these exam questions.

A. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using CCTV cameras to
fight crime?

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 3. Writing supporting paragraphs.
3.1 ​
When you write, you always need to think about the reader (when you take the
IELTS examination, this will be the examiner). That means you need to introduce
your ideas clearly.To do this, you need to practise writing clear topic sentences.
Topic sentences help the reader to follow the plan of your essay. They are like
signposts for a driver.

Un-jumble these useful chunks of language for writing clear topic sentences.

1. advantage / overseas / of / living / is / another

………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.

2. moving / one / of / disadvantages / home / of / away / the / from / biggest / is

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…

3. to / of / the / turning / side / other / argument / the

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…

4. is / the / abroad / one / main / of / of / moving / positives

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
….

5. that / another / be / drawback / is / it / can / major

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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 Put these sentences in the correct order to form a supporting paragraph on the
advantage of having one language globally.

A. This has made the country to overcome the language barrier among different
communities and played a significant role in the countries’ development.

B. Another reason that one language would be advantageous is that it would

encourage unity between different communities.

C. In other words, If everyone spoke one language, there would be complete

understanding between not only countries but all people throughout the world which
would promote learning, the flow of information and ideas.

D. One evident benefit of having one global language is that it would enable greater
understanding between countries.

E. Take Singapore as an example. Even though they have their own national
language, English is used as the working and business language.

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 3.4 Write the 1st supporting paragraph regarding the advantages of CCTV
cameras .

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5. Conclusions.

Now put these sentences in the correct order to make another conclusion.

1st conclusion
A. While going abroad can be a great experience and lead to a better lifestyle, for many people
there are too many differences to cope with.
B. In conclusion, there are clearly both positives and negatives to spending an extended period of
time overseas.
C. Therefore it is important to assess both sides carefully before taking this crucial step.

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 Homework

Question 1
In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between
finishing high school and starting university studies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decided to do this.

Model Essay
Read the model essay and answer the question below?
1. What do you like about the essay?
2. What could be improved in this essay?

The development of tourism contributed to English becoming the most prominent

language in the world. Some people think this will lead to English becoming the
only language to be spoken globally.

What are the advantages and disadvantages to having one language in the world?

It is thought by some people that English, which is now the most widely spoken language
in the world, may one day predominate over all other languages and result in their
eventual disappearance. Having one language would certainly aid understanding and
economic growth but there will also be some drawbacks.

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One evident benefit to having one global language is that it would enable greater
understanding between countries. In other words, if everyone spoke one language, there
would be complete understanding between not only countries but all people throughout the
world which would promote learning, the flow of information and ideas. Another reason
that one language would be advantageous is that it would help economic growth. With all
people speaking the same language, there would be fewer barriers and therefore trade
would flourish between countries, resulting in a healthier world economy.

On the other hand, there are obvious disadvantages to having only one global language.
Firstly, it would mean that all other languages would eventually disappear and, along with
them, their cultures. The diversity of cultures is one of the joys this world has to offer. Each
culture is unique with its own way of life and own perspectives of the world which would all
be lost if there were only one language. Secondly, it would result in the collapse of tourism
because there would be no reason to travel for pleasure and interest if all countries had
the same language and similar cultures. This would devastate many countries
economically that rely on tourism as a source of income.

In conclusion, while there are plus points to having one global language, too much would
be lost as a result. Maintaining local languages and cultures should be prioritised to ensure
a rich world heritage for future generations.

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 Discuss both views & give your opinion
Essay Question

Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world today. Some believe,

with given time, technology will completely replace the teacher in the classroom.
However, others are in the view that a Robot can never replace a teacher. Discuss
both these views and give your own opinion.

How to write an Introduction?

Sentence 1 – Background Statement.

● Always paraphrase the first sentence of the exam question.

In today’s world, the use of technology is ever-increasing.

Sentence 2 – Detailed background statement.

● You should elaborate your background statement further. This could be either
paraphrasing the second sentence from the question or something from your own idea.

Even in classrooms technology can be commonly seen

Sentence 3 - Statement of points of view to be analyzed

The argument that technology will completely replace the teacher in the classroom is a
subject that is both supported and refuted by many.

Sentence 4 - Outline sentence

Both sides of this argument will be analyzed before a reasoned conclusion is drawn.

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The final layout.

“In today’s world, the use of technology is ever increasing. Even in classrooms technology
can be commonly seen. The argument that technology will completely replace the teacher
in the classroom is a subject that is both supported and refuted by many. Both sides of this
argument will be analyzed before a reasoned conclusion is drawn.”

Leading phrases that can be used to write an introduction.

Expressing other people's opinions.

Chunks for introducing opinion

● Many people argue/say/feel/think/believe that...
● A growing number of people are in the view that...
● It is believed by some that...
● There is a common belief that...
● Some say/argue/feel/believe that...
● Many people hold the view that…

Chunks for adding more information

● It is their view that...

● they claim/argue/feel that...
● this is because they say it is ...
● another common belief about [prison] is that...

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Task A

Write introductions for the following essay questions.

Question 1
Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and
that other measures are required.

Writing Supporting Paragraphs

Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world today. Given time,

technology will completely replace the teacher in the classroom. Analyze both sides
of this argument.

Sentence – 1 Statement of first point of view

Firstly, it is easy to see the progressive rate at which technology is able to mimic both the
physical and mental abilities of human beings.

Sentence – 2 E
​ xample supporting this point of view

For example, the Honda robot Asimov can today move its body and manipulate objects
with human-like precision.

Sentence 3 - Discussion

Therefore the possibility of robotic teachers in the future truly becomes a plausible
outcome given time.

Section 4 - Conclusion
Because of this it is easy to see why the argument that technology could replace human
teachers in the classroom has garnered support.

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 A complete supporting paragraph.

Firstly, it is easy to see the progressive rate at which technology is able to mimic both the
physical and mental abilities of human beings. For example, the Honda robot Asimov can
today move its body and manipulate objects with human-like precision. Therefore the
possibility of robotic teachers in the future truly becomes a plausible outcome given time.
Because of this it is easy to see why the argument that technology could replace human
teachers in the classroom has garnered support.

​ Task 2

1. Work with your partner and develop points for both views with examples.

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the
number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on
public health and that other​measures are required.

2. Write the 1st supporting paragraph discussing one view.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….......

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….......

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….......

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….......

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….......

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….......

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….......

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How to write a concluding paragraph

Sentence 1 Summary

In summary, both sides of the argument regarding the possibility of a technologically

driven classroom have strong support.

Sentence 2 – Statement of position

​ owever, after analyzing both camps it is clear that the idea of having a class run entirely by
H
a machine cannot be supported.

Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

As such, it is predicted that the negative aspects of the debate over computerized teaching
will forever be stronger than the positive ones and because of this computers will never
replace teachers.

A complete Conclusion

In summary, both sides of the argument regarding the possibility of a

technologically driven classroom have strong support. However after analyzing both
camps it is clear that the idea of having a class run entirely by a machine cannot be
supported. As such, it is predicted that the negative aspects of the debate over
computerized teaching will forever be stronger than the positive ones and because
of this computers will never replace teachers.

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